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Commercial litigation covers disputes arising from business relationships, contracts, company affairs, debt recovery, insolvency and competition issues. Melissia is a suburb in the Attica region and falls within the judicial district of Athens. That means most commercial cases involving businesses located in Melissia will be handled through the ordinary civil and commercial courts that serve Athens, or through arbitration if the parties agreed to it. Court proceedings in Greece are conducted in Greek, follow civil-law procedures, and commonly involve written submissions, documentary evidence, expert reports and witness statements.
Commercial litigation can be complex and fact-sensitive. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- Contract disputes over supply, distribution, sale or services
- Non-payment or debt recovery claims and counterclaims
- Shareholder or partnership disputes, including breaches of directors duties
- Claims related to mergers, acquisitions or corporate restructuring
- Insolvency, restructuring or enforcement against a company or its assets
- Disputes involving commercial leases, property used for business, or construction projects
- Alleged breaches of competition, trade mark or unfair commercial practices
- Need for urgent interim measures - for example asset preservation, injunctions or attachment orders
An experienced commercial litigator helps evaluate legal options, meets procedural deadlines, prepares persuasive submissions, manages evidence and seeks remedies in court or through arbitration and mediation.
Several bodies of Greek law are especially relevant to commercial litigation in Melissia:
- Civil Law - the Greek Civil Code sets out general contractual obligations, tort liability and rules that underpin many commercial disputes.
- Companies Law - rules governing company formation, governance, director duties and shareholder rights affect corporate disputes. Common company forms include I.K.E. (private company), E.P.E. (limited liability company), A.E. (public company), O.E. and E.E. (partnerships).
- Commercial and Commercial Procedure Rules - commercial practice and specific rules for commercial cases interact with the Code of Civil Procedure, which regulates how civil litigation proceeds in the courts.
- Insolvency and Restructuring Law - statutory regimes set out procedures for company insolvency, restructuring and creditor claims; timing and priorities differ from ordinary debt enforcement.
- Competition and Consumer Protection Law - issues involving market abuse, unfair competition or consumer rights may arise in commercial disputes.
- Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution - parties frequently use arbitration for commercial disputes. Greece recognises international arbitral awards under the New York Convention and EU judgment rules apply between member states.
Practical rules to note:
- Time limits apply. Prescription periods vary by claim type, and some commercial claims commonly have relatively short limitation periods. Missing a limitation deadline can bar a claim.
- Interim relief is available from courts to protect assets or stop conduct pending a final decision, but you must apply early and show urgency and likelihood of success.
- Proceedings are conducted in Greek, and foreign-language evidence generally needs translation and certified notarisation.
- Court cases can be lengthy. Many commercial disputes take months or years to resolve, so parties often consider mediation or arbitration to save time and cost.
Melissia falls under the Athens judicial district. Most commercial disputes are brought in the competent Court of First Instance or the specialised commercial chambers serving Athens. Appeals go to the regional Court of Appeal and, on points of law, to the Supreme Court. If a contract specifies arbitration, disputes may be resolved outside the court system.
You start by filing a written claim with the competent court registry, including the factual and legal basis for the claim and supporting documents. A summons will be issued to the defendant. Because court procedure and formalities are strict, working with a lawyer from the outset is strongly recommended to ensure proper filing and preservation of rights.
Yes. Greek courts can grant interim measures such as provisional attachments, injunctions and other emergency orders if you demonstrate urgency, risk of irreparable harm, and a prima facie right. These reliefs often require specific procedural steps and security from the applicant, so prompt legal action is essential.
Timeframes vary widely depending on complexity, court backlog and whether the case proceeds to appeal. Simple cases may resolve within months, but complex commercial disputes commonly take a year or longer, and appeals add further time. Arbitration can offer faster resolution subject to the arbitration rules chosen.
Costs include court fees, lawyer fees, expert fees and costs for translations and document production. Lawyer fees are agreed privately and vary by complexity. Courts may order the losing party to pay part of the winning party's court costs, but such orders may not cover all private legal fees. Make sure to discuss fee structure and potential cost exposure with your lawyer.
Mediation and other ADR options are widely available and are encouraged. For some types of disputes there may be pre-litigation mediation or settlement procedures that must be attempted. Even when not mandatory, mediation is often worth considering early to avoid lengthy litigation.
Yes, subject to the relevant international conventions and EU regulations. EU judgments enjoy streamlined recognition within EU member states. Foreign arbitral awards are commonly enforced in Greece under the New York Convention. Enforcement can be complex, so local counsel should be consulted to handle procedural requirements and potential defences.
Documentary evidence is key - contracts, invoices, correspondence, delivery receipts, bank records and internal communications. Written records showing performance or breach usually carry significant weight. Expert reports and witness statements can also be crucial for complex technical or accounting issues.
Look for a lawyer or firm with specific commercial litigation experience, familiarity with the Athens courts, and a track record in cases similar to yours. Ask about courtroom experience, arbitration expertise, fee structure and estimated timelines. Confirm that the lawyer speaks your language or that reliable translation is available.
Bring copies of the contract or agreement in dispute, relevant correspondence, invoices, payment records, any formal notices already exchanged, company documents and a written timeline of events. Prepare a short summary of your goals - for example debt recovery, injunction, damages or business continuity - and be ready to discuss deadlines or urgent risks.
Useful bodies and resources to consult when dealing with commercial litigation in Melissia include:
- Athens Bar Association - for local lawyers and disciplinary rules
- Ministry of Justice - for information about courts and civil procedure
- General Commercial Registry - GEMI - for company registration data and filings
- Hellenic Arbitration and Mediation Institutions - for ADR and arbitration rules
- Hellenic Competition Commission - for competition and antitrust issues
- Local Chamber of Commerce - for business guidance and dispute prevention resources
- Court registries in Athens - for filing procedures and court calendars
If you need legal assistance for a commercial dispute in Melissia, consider the following practical steps:
- Act promptly - check whether any limitation periods or urgent steps apply and preserve critical evidence immediately.
- Gather documents and prepare a concise chronology of the dispute.
- Contact a commercial litigation lawyer with experience in Athens-area courts and arbitration. Ask about initial consultation terms and fee arrangements.
- Discuss immediate relief options - such as interim measures or pre-litigation settlement attempts - and the likely costs and timelines for each route.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution - mediation or arbitration - if you prefer a faster or confidential solution.
- Get a written engagement letter setting out fees, scope of work and expected steps.
This guide provides general information and does not replace personalised legal advice. For tailored guidance about your situation, consult a qualified commercial litigator who can assess the facts, applicable law and strategic options.
